Learning styles are simply the different approaches that are used to learn new information. In general, most people have a preferences towards one or more learning styles. Learning styles have become increasingly important in the education field because as educators we must be aware of the individual strengths and preferences of each of our students so that we can plan our lessons accordingly. The primary responsibility of the educator is to ensure that we teach in manner that allows each learner to learn as effectively as possible, and the best way to do this is to teach in a manner that is engaging to all of our different types of learners.
One of the simplest and most popular learning style models consists of three different learning styles: Visual (those who learn best by seeing), Auditory (those who learn best by hearing), and Kinesthetic (those who learn best by doing). At the bottom of this page I have posted a link to an assessment that can be used to determine someone's learning style based on this three types model. However, there are many different learning models which are commonly used and accepted such as: Kolb Learning Styles whose learning theory is based upon two levels including a cycle of learning (four stages), and four separate learning style types; and Felder and Silverman's Index of Learning Styles which is depicted as an index scale with four dimensions (sensory-intuitive, visual-verbal, active-reflective, and sequential-global).
Closely related to the study of learning styles is the Theory of Multiple Intelligences created by Dr. Howard Gardner. Gardner's theory(1991) is based on cognitive research and "documents the extent to which students posses different kinds of minds and therefore learn, remember, perform, and understand in different ways." As indicated in the image (below right) there are seven established types of intelligences that learners can be classified into (there is also new eighth intelligence category known as naturalistic).
The following is simple breakdown of the learning styles model generated from Gardner's theory:
"Visual (spatial):You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.
Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music.
Verbal (linguistic): You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.
Physical (kinesthetic): You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.
Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.
Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self-study." (Overview of Learning Styles, 2013)
This video states the same information listed above about the learning style models generated by Gardner's theory, but may be helpful for an auditory learner.
Learning styles are simply the different approaches that are used to learn new information. In general, most people have a preferences towards one or more learning styles. Learning styles have become increasingly important in the education field because as educators we must be aware of the individual strengths and preferences of each of our students so that we can plan our lessons accordingly. The primary responsibility of the educator is to ensure that we teach in manner that allows each learner to learn as effectively as possible, and the best way to do this is to teach in a manner that is engaging to all of our different types of learners.
One of the simplest and most popular learning style models consists of three different learning styles: Visual (those who learn best by seeing), Auditory (those who learn best by hearing), and Kinesthetic (those who learn best by doing). At the bottom of this page I have posted a link to an assessment that can be used to determine someone's learning style based on this three types model. However, there are many different learning models which are commonly used and accepted such as: Kolb Learning Styles whose learning theory is based upon two levels including a cycle of learning (four stages), and four separate learning style types; and Felder and Silverman's Index of Learning Styles which is depicted as an index scale with four dimensions (sensory-intuitive, visual-verbal, active-reflective, and sequential-global).
Closely related to the study of learning styles is the Theory of Multiple Intelligences created by Dr. Howard Gardner. Gardner's theory(1991) is based on cognitive research and "documents the extent to which students posses different kinds of minds and therefore learn, remember, perform, and understand in different ways." As indicated in the image (below right) there are seven established types of intelligences that learners can be classified into (there is also new eighth intelligence category known as naturalistic).
The following is simple breakdown of the learning styles model generated from Gardner's theory:This video states the same information listed above about the learning style models generated by Gardner's theory, but may be helpful for an auditory learner.
Posted by Janelle Chong
Webliography
Overview of Learning Styles (2013)
http://www.learning-styles-online.com/overview/
Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligenceshttp://www.tecweb.org/styles/gardner.html
Kolb-Learning Styles Inventory
http://www.simplypsychology.org/learning-kolb.html#sthash.aGtHpQFz.vK9OL07J.dpbs
Felder-Silverman's Index of Learning Styles
http://www.mindtools.com/mnemlsty.html
http://amfreund.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Mulitple_Intelligences.png (Image on Gardner's Multiple Intelligence theory above)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Ugr67xbQYWU (Embedded Youtube video above)
Other Web Resources:
Downloadable Powerpoint Assessment of learning styles based on Gardner's Multiple Intelligences Theory
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiple-Intelligences-Learning-Styles-Quiz
Learning Styles Assessment- Audtitory, Visual, Kinesthetic
http://people.usd.edu/~bwjames/tut/learning-style/stylest.html
Learning Styles Assessment- Revised version of Felder's Index of Learning Styles
http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html